Credit: The Associated Press

Celtic's James Forrest reacts during the Champions League group H soccer match between Celtic and Barcelona at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013.

GLASGOW, Scotland — Barcelona capitalized on the needless sending-off of Celtic captain Scott Brown to overcome the plucky Scottish champions 1-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Cesc Fabregas grabbing a 75th-minute winner.

Missing the injured Lionel Messi, Barca produced a flat performance at a ground where it memorably lost in last year's group stage. The game turned on the straight red card given to Brown in the 59th minute for kicking out at Neymar, moments after fouling the Brazil forward.